An Unexpected Event

Hilary Brown - Senegal

October 25, 2009

Last night, after finishing my french homework and talking to Erin on skype, I left the Baobab Center around seven as usual. I walked back to the Corenthin house, trying to not fall in the brown river the street turned into after the rain and was just about to walk in, when I realized the front door was open. This was very surprising since I have never seen the front door open and the rare occasion I was given a key to go out I was given specific instructions on how to make sure the door was fully locked. I cautiously peeked around the door to find the front room crowded with women reciting a prayer. The first thought that came into my mind was ‘oh no the grandmother died.’ Considering I heard her listening to Bob Sinclair, a French DJ, earlier that day this was probably not the best guess as to what was going on, at the same time she has not left her bed since I arrived.

A tad nervous and not knowing what to do, I walked out of the doorway to think of a plan which, as the sun was about to disappear and therefore make waiting outside not a good option, was to call Rachel. In the process of getting my phone I was surprised by a ‘bon soir’ and found Victoria’s host cousin standing beside me. After explaining to him what was going on he insisted that I just say bon soir and pass through.

Later that night I found out that during the months of October and May the Christian women pass a statue of the Virgin Mary from house to house each night. This is accompanied by a gathering for prayer at the house.

About Hilary

Senegal - 2010

Hilary is an inquisitive learner, an understated leader and a dedicated community volunteer. After a successful campaign to convince her parents, Hilary raised and trained two guide dogs for blind fellow residents through her work with Guide Puppies of Seattle. The dogs were a full-time job, even attending school at Hilary's side. As a weekly volunteer at Seattle Children's Hospital, Hilary further witnessed the direct, immediate impact of her energy. Hilary also surpassed her own physical barriers, pursuing her passion for dance despite severe scoliosis. According to a teacher, Hilary, "strives to have a lifetime of understanding and to fulfill her own intellectual curiosity" and is deeply interested in science and the environment.